If you’re considering visiting Australia and have a passion for green travel, then you’ve got to hop on your bike and join the masses in cycling fever!
It’s all happening in Adelaide and South Australia. This is a great opportunity to see the beautiful Down Under and join in the festivities as the cycling year kicks off. Get ready for the first stop on the world cycling calendar, the Santos Tour Down Under kicks off the cycling year in exhilarating style.
The Santos Tour Down Under was first held in 1999 and has grown year on year to become the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere.
The week-long event brings the top ProTour professional cycling teams to race on the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia each January. Up for grabs are important UCI ProTour points and the Santos Tour Down Unders Ochre Leaders Jersey.
Not just a bike race, the Santos Tour Down Under is a festival of cycling, with a range of associated events and festivals that create a massive party atmosphere across South Australia. Amateur cyclists can also get involved in the action, with the Skoda Breakaway Series, which gives people the chance to ride part of the ProTour race route.
The Skoda Tour Parade is a convoy of fanfare, colour and excitement and signals that the Santos Tour Down Under riders are just 30 minutes away.
Race spectators lining the road eagerly anticipate the promotional gifts that are given away by each of the Skoda Tour Parade vehicles at key locations along the race route.
The Skoda Tour Parade features the Santos Tour Down Under official mascot, Oppy the Kangaroo, and six larger-than-life-sized vehicle-mounted torsos of each of the race jerseys.
The Santos Tour Down Under invites the whole state to the party, by taking the race through South Australian regions. The race typically starts and concludes with exciting Adelaide city street circuits, with Stage 1-5 being held in regional South Australia. The Santos Tour Down Under provides a significant contribution to the state’s tourism industry, and showcases the attractions of South Australia to the world through global television coverage.
The Adventure Collective is again thrilled to again be an Official Tour Operator of the Santos Tour Down Under in 2011.
They have a range of great packages to suit every need, whether you’re looking for a full week of racing action, or want a weekend getaway to experience the racing highlights.
Pre-Tour Training Camp With Patrick Jonker
Kick off with a bang! For the first time, The Adventure Collective will be offering a pre-tour Training Camp, hosted by former Santos Tour Down Under champion, Olympian and Tour de France rider, Patrick Jonker. You’ll have the chance to gain valuable riding tips from the very best in the sport, with training rides and workshops each day. Topped off with great accommodation, meals and a host of other surprises in store.
Weekend Warrior Package
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the best of the Santos Tour Down Under, this package is perfect for you. Arrival on Thursday means you’ll get a good night’s rest in time for Friday’s Mutual Community Challenge Tour, including transport to and from the start/finish and the city. On Saturday, follow the race action, with the option to cycle. Celebrate the Legends’ Night Dinner, before the final showdown on Sunday.
Legend’s Weekend Package
Perfect for the cycling enthusiast and avid spectator! If you’re short on time but still want to experience the best of the Santos Tour Down Under, this weekend package is perfect for you. Arrive anytime on Friday and do your own thing. On Saturday, follow the race action on our escorted coach day tour, and enjoy great race viewing from our lunchtime vantage point. Celebrate the Legends’ Night Dinner, before Sunday’s final showdown.
Lead Out Tour Daily Packages
A daily tour aimed at the avid spectator. Each day we will follow the stage and view the race from a number of great vantage points. Each day you will enjoy a gourmet lunch, wine and beer, see some of the great sights of Adelaide and its surrounds. Held from Stage 1 to 5, with discounts for three or more days booked. Accommodation packages also available. Pick-up and drop-off to Adelaide CBD.
For further details on packages, see Travel Collective Group.
For more information, visit Tour Down Under.
Source: Tours Down Under
Samantha Minogue
Editorial Director
